PEAT 4

1) A patient is performing a Phase I (inpatient) cardiac rehabilitation exercise session. The physical therapist should terminate low-level activity if which of the following changes occurs?

1. The diastolic blood pressure increases to 120 mm Hg.

2. The respiratory rate increases to 20 breaths per minute.

3. The systolic blood pressure increases by 20 mm Hg.

4. The heart rate increases by 20 bpm.

1

1) A patient is being evaluated for possible carpal tunnel syndrome, and a nerve conduction velocity test is performed. Which of the following findings would MOST strongly support the diagnosis?

1. Decreased latency at the elbow.

2. Decreased latency at the carpal tunnel.

3. Increased latency at the carpal tunnel.

4. Increased latency at the forearm.

3

1) When examining a patient with a history of alcohol abuse, a physical therapist notes that the patient demonstrates fine resting tremors and hyperactive reflexes. The patient reports frequent right upper quadrant pain. Which of the following additional signs is MOST likely?

1. Jaundice

2. Hyperhidrosis

3. Hypotension

4. Nocturnal cough

1

1) Which of the following examination findings would be expected in a patient who also had sustained ankle clonus?

1. An upgoing great toe when the sole of the foot is stroked

2. Weakness of ankle plantar flexors with one-repetition strength testing

3. Absence of sensation to sharp/dull testing over the posterior lower leg

4. Hyporeflexia when deep tendon reflexes are elicited in the lower leg

1

1) Which of the following sensory testing locations corresponds to the C7 nerve root?

1. Volar aspect of the little finger (5th digit)

2. Dorsal aspect of the middle finger (3rd digit)

3. Lateral aspect of the upper arm

4. Medial aspect of the upper arm

2

1) A 3-month-old infant has poor midline head control. During evaluation, the physical therapist notes facial asymmetry and observes that the infant has limitation of cervical rotation to the left and cervical lateral flexion to the right. A radiology report indicates premature fusion of the infant's cranial sutures. The infant MOST likely has:

1. right congenital muscular torticollis.

2. left congenital muscular torticollis.

3. right cervical facet hypomobility.

4. left cervical facet hypomobility.

1

1) A patient had a split-thickness skin graft for a partial-thickness burn injury to the upper extremity. The surgeon has requested range-of-motion exercises for the patient. Currently, the patient is able to actively move the upper extremity through one-third of the range of motion for shoulder flexion. Based on this finding, what is the MOST appropriate action for the physical therapist to take at this time?

1. Defer any range-of-motion exercises until the patient is able to participate more actively.

2. Begin active assistive range-of-motion exercises.

3. Begin bed mobility training to facilitate increased use of the upper extremity

4. Continue with active range-of-motion exercises.

2

1) Which of the following modalities BEST addresses the cause of calcific tendinitis in the bicipital tendon?

1. Sensory level interferential current at 80 Hz to 100 Hz

2. Iontophoresis with acetic acid at 60 mA/minute

3. High-volt pulsed electrical stimulation at 200 pps

4. Diathermy with a parallel treatment set-up

2

1) To minimize skin irritation during functional electrical nerve stimulation, a physical therapist should use:

1. lower intensity, larger interelectrode distance, and larger electrodes.

2. lower intensity, larger interelectrode distance, and smaller electrodes.

3. higher intensity, smaller interelectrode distance, and smaller electrodes.

4. lower intensity, smaller interelectrode distance, and larger electrodes

1

1) Manual muscle testing of a patient's pelvic floor muscles reveals a grade of Poor (2/5). Which of the following positions is BEST to begin strengthening?

1. Supine

2. Standing

3. Seated

4. Walking

1

1) During an examination of elbow strength using manual muscle testing, a patient supinates the forearm when attempting elbow flexion. Which of the following muscles is MOST likely doing the major part of the work?

1. Biceps brachii

2. Brachialis

3. Supinator

4. Brachioradialis

1

1) During evaluation of a patient's balance, a physical therapist gently pushes the patient backward slightly and observes how the patient recovers from the perturbation. What strategy is the patient MOST likely to use to correct for the perturbation?

1. Knee

2. Hip

3. Ankle

4. Stepping

3

1) Which of the following findings BEST describes normal capillary filling?

1. Rebound vasodilation after icing

2. Blood pressure of 120/76 mm Hg

3. Pulse oximetry measurement of 98%

4. Blanching of the nail bed with color return in <3 seconds

4

1) Which of the following instructions is MOST appropriate for teaching a patient with C6 quadriplegia to transfer from a wheelchair to a mat?

1. Keep fingers extended to give a broader base of support.

2. Rotate head and shoulders in the same direction as the desired hip motion.

3. Rotate head and shoulders in the direction opposite to the desired hip motion.

4. Keep both hands next to the knees to lock the elbows.

3

1) A patient has a spinal cord injury that resulted in damage to the sacral segments and disruption of the sacral reflex arc. The patient is MOST likely to have which of the following characteristics?

1. Voluntary control of defecation

2. Tonic contraction of the external anal sphincter

3. Flaccidity of pelvic floor musculature

4. Permanent absence of the gastrocolic reflex

3

1) A patient who reports double vision has ptosis, lateral strabismus, and a dilated pupil in the left eye. Which of the following cranial nerve test results is MOST likely to be abnormal?

1. Pupillary light reflex

2. Facial muscle strength

3. Jaw-jerk reflex

4. Pain sensation on the face

1

1) In addition to standard precautions, what other precaution should a physical therapist observe when working with a patient infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus?

1. Airborne

2. Sterile

3. Droplet

4. Contact

4

1) The physical therapist is positioning a patient for postural drainage. To BEST drain the posterior segment of both lower lobes, the patient should be placed in which of the following positions?

1. Prone, head down at a 45° angle

2. Supine, flat surface

3. Sidelying, head elevated at a 30° angle

4. Sitting, leaning forward

1

1) Clubbing of the fingers is MOST associated with which of the following pathologies?

1. Lymphedema

2. Pulmonary disease

3. Chronic venous insufficiency

4. Complex regional pain syndrome

2

1) A patient who is 8 months pregnant has an abdominal diastasis recti with a separation of 1.5 in (4 cm). Which of the following exercises would be the MOST appropriate initial exercise for abdominal strengthening in a supine position?

1. Trunk curls

2. Hooklying head lifts

3. Pelvic-tilt leg sliding

4. Bilateral leg lowering

2

1) A patient with Parkinson disease has just been admitted to a rehabilitation unit. The patient is dependent in all transfers and requires moderate assistance of one person to walk 30 ft (9.1 m) with a standard walker. To facilitate good carryover for activities, instruction of the family in transfers should occur:

1. during a home visit after the patient is discharged.

2. just prior to discharging the patient.

3. early in the rehabilitation program.

4. when the family feels ready to take the patient home.

3

1) A patient with a right transfemoral prosthesis will be able to maintain the knee in extension while weight bearing if the center of gravity of the body is shifted so that the gravitational line falls:

1. posterior to the axis of the right knee joint.

2. lateral to the axis of the right knee joint.

3. anterior to the axis of the right knee joint.

4. medial to the axis of the right knee joint.

3

1) During manual muscle testing of the hip flexors in the sitting position, a patient exhibits lateral (external) rotation with abduction of the thigh as resistance is applied. The physical therapist should suspect muscle substitution by the:

1. sartorius.

2. tensor fasciae latae.

3. adductor longus.

4. semimembranosus.

1

1) A physical therapist reads that the interrater reliability of a new hand-held dynamometer is .93. What is the MOST appropriate interpretation of this value?

1. Similar scores were obtained for a group of subjects when different therapists measured the subjects

2. Similar scores were obtained for a group of subjects when the same therapist repeated the measures

3. Dissimilar scores were obtained for a group of subjects when different therapists measured the subjects.

4. Dissimilar scores were obtained for a group of subjects when the same therapist repeated the measures.

1

1) A physical therapist researcher is developing a study to compare differences in range of motion outcomes in two groups of patients who have had a total knee arthroplasty. Over an 8-week period, one group of patients receives outpatient physical therapy 1 time/week and the other group receives outpatient physical therapy 3 times/week. In this study, what is the dependent variable?

1. Range of motion

2. Frequency of visits

3. Total knee arthroplasty

4. 8 weeks

1

1) Which of the following teaching strategies is MOST appropriate for an older adult patient with mild dementia?

1. Use auditory or visual input separately.

2. Use metaphors to reinforce new concepts.

3. Establish a consistent pace for teaching.

4. Present one piece of new information at a time.

4

1) A patient with chronic venous insufficiency of the lower extremities is MOST likely to exhibit:

1. normal superficial veins, no edema, ulceration, and patches of gangrene around the toes.

2. dilation of superficial veins, edema, and stasis ulceration.

3. no edema, faint dorsalis pedis pulse, and cold, hairless extremities.

4. dilation of superficial veins and edema made worse during sitting or elevation of the lower extremities.

2

1) A patient with muscular dystrophy was removed from mechanical ventilation 1 day ago. The patient is currently unable to independently clear secretions, despite receiving instruction in the bronchopulmonary hygiene techniques of positioning, percussion, shaking, and vibration. Which of the following interventions is MOST appropriate to help this patient clear the secretions?

1. Nasotracheal suctioning

2. Manual costophrenic assist

3. Supplemental oxygen

4. Inspiratory muscle training

2

1) An older adult patient had a total hip arthroplasty following a hip fracture from a fall in his home. The patient lived alone and was previously able to perform all activities of daily living independently. He has been admitted to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation. The patient's goal is to return home. His family believes he should be admitted to a long-term care facility for his own safety after acute rehabilitation is completed. The physical therapist's MOST appropriate action is to:

1. advise the family that the patient should determine his own discharge environment.

2. recommend a team conference with the patient and his family to discuss discharge plans.

3. schedule a home visit to determine if home modifications are needed before discharge.

4. implement a treatment plan with a long-term goal of discharge to home.

2

1) Which of the following reasons is the PRIMARY purpose for applying statistical analyses to single-subject research?

1. To substantiate visual analysis of graphically displayed data

2. To determine whether observed changes are real or chance occurrences

3. To advocate changes in intervention methods

4. To establish credibility for the intervention technique

2

1) Upon removal of a wet-to-dry dressing from a patient's draining wound, a physical therapist observes that the skin immediately surrounding the wound is macerated. What should the therapist recommend for future wound care?

1. Continue using the current dressing type.

2. Make the dressing more absorbent.

3. Leave the dressing on longer between dressing changes.

4. Change to a pressure-type dressing.

2

1) A 50-year-old patient had an uncomplicated open repair of a rotator cuff tear 2 weeks ago. The patient asks the physical therapist when the shoulder will be normal again. Which of the following expected outcome time frames MOST accurately addresses this patient's question?

1. 3 weeks to lift a 5-lb (2.3-kg) object

2. 3 weeks to sleep on the involved side

3. 3 months to lift the upper extremity overhead to reach into a cabinet

4. 3 months to play golf

3

1) A physical therapist is preparing to evaluate a patient who had a closed reduction with cast fixation for an ankle fracture 1 day ago and currently has non-weight-bearing status. The patient reports foot pain in the injured extremity. Based on the patient's report, which of the following procedures should the physical therapist perform?

1. Gait examination

2. Transfer abilities

3. Capillary refill in toes

4. Blood pressure examination

3

1) Which of the following motions are MOST restricted with a hip capsular pattern?

1. Medial (internal) rotation and abduction

2. Lateral (external) rotation and abduction

3. Extension and adduction

4. Flexion and lateral (external) rotation

1

1) The parent of a 4-year-old child who has myelomeningocele is interested in obtaining orthoses for the child's gait training. The child has an L1 neurological level lesion. Which of the following orthoses is the MOST appropriate selection for the physical therapist to discuss with the parent?

1. Hip-knee-ankle-foot with locked hips

2. Reciprocating-gait

3. Knee-ankle-foot with a pelvic band

4. Ankle-foot

2

1) A patient who has rheumatoid arthritis comes to physical therapy with signs of muscle atrophy, ecchymosis, puffy cheeks, and a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Which of the following medications is the patient MOST likely receiving?

1. Penicillin (Ampicillin)

2. Prednisone (Deltasone)

3. Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)

4. Gold salts

2

1) Regular aerobic exercise lasting at least 30 minutes should be MOST beneficial in decreasing the pathology associated with which of the following conditions?

1. Type 1 diabetes

2. Type 2 diabetes

3. Multiple sclerosis

4. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

2

1) A patient has been receiving physical therapy for a large wound on the lower leg. After 3 weeks of treatment, the wound is free of necrotic tissue, but a copious amount of exudate is present. Which of the following dressings is MOST appropriate for the wound at this time?

1. Saline-saturated gauze

2. Semipermeable film

3. Gauze impregnated with zinc oxide

4. Hydrocolloid paste

4

1) A patient with a right transtibial prosthesis describes right-knee buckling in the foot flat (loading response) stance phase of gait. Which of the following conditions in the patient is MOST likely present to cause this problem?

1. Excessive plantar flexion

2. Stiff heel cushion

3. Low shoe heel

4. Excessive foot inset

2

1) Which of the following recommendations is MOST appropriate for a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease?

1. Sit upright for at least 10 minutes after a meal.

2. Lie on the right side before performing exercises.

3. Head-lifting exercises should be performed in the upright position.

4. Activities that require the supine position should be performed before a meal.

4

1) A physical therapist is completing an examination of an inpatient with multiple comorbidities who had a total knee arthroplasty 2 days ago. The therapist observes a bluish discoloration of the toes on the operative extremity. This finding should be documented as:

1. cyanosis.

2. deep vein thrombosis.

3. Raynaud disease.

4 cardiac pathology

1

1) A physical therapist is evaluating a 70-year-old female patient who reports the onset of midthoracic pain after working in a garden for several hours. The presence of which of the following history items should increase the therapist's suspicion of a thoracic compression fracture in the patient?

1. Bowel and bladder dysfunction

2. Smoking and prolonged steroid use

3. Hypertension and diabetes

4. Emphysema and hormone replacement therapy

2

1) Which of the following modalities is MOST appropriate for decreasing pain and increasing tissue extensibility prior to active hand exercises in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis?

1. Cold gel pack

2. Direct contact ultrasound

3. Continuous short-wave diathermy

4. Paraffin wax bath

4

1) Which of the following trunk strengthening exercises is BEST for a patient to help minimize the complications associated with osteoporosis?

1. Flexion

2. Rotation

3. Extension

4. Lateral flexion

3

1) A physical therapist is working on progressive functional mobility with a patient who had a transverse colectomy 2 days ago. The patient has developed a low grade fever. What is the MOST appropriate examination for the therapist to perform prior to continuation of the patient's intervention?

1. Heart rate

2. Blood pressure

3. Respiratory rate

4. Auscultation

4

1) A patient is entering a cardiac rehabilitation program. The physical therapist should FIRST ask the patient to:

1. describe the correct aspects of exercise demonstrated by the therapist.

2. list problems associated with poor nutritional habits.

3. identify the harmful effects of smoking with regard to cardiac disease.

4. describe the type of angina that the patient experiences.

4

1) A physical therapist who works in a home health agency is treating a patient with diabetes mellitus. The patient reports that he is longer taking insulin. The therapist's FIRST course of action should be to:

1. instruct the patient in the proper technique for injection of insulin.

2. contact the patient's home health nurse.

3. tell the patient's family to report this information to the physician.

4. have the patient perform a urine glucose test while the therapist is in the home.

2

1) A measurable objective for a community education program on proper exercise techniques would be for participants to:

1. understand the importance of a sufficient warm-up period.

2. list five stretching techniques that can be used when warming up.

3. overcome lower extremity problems and adhere to a regular exercise program.

4. appreciate the effects of increasing intensity of exercise on heart rate.

2

1) While ascending stairs, an older adult patient leans forward with increased hip flexion. Which of the following muscles is being used to BEST advantage with this forward posture?

1. Rectus femoris

2. Tensor fasciae latae

3. Semitendinosus

4. Lumbar paraspinal

3

1) The authors of a research article describe a favorable study outcome as insignificant because the study results were not statistically significant. The insignificant finding would MOST likely be due to poor research methods if which of the following study characteristics was present?

1. Small sample size

2. Small within-group variance

3. 85% analysis power

4. Controlled alpha level

3

1) As a patient progresses in learning a new motor skill, there should be a resultant increase in which of the following types of feedback?

1. Tactile

2. Visual

3. Intrinsic

4. Verbal

3

1) A patient is undergoing a treadmill stress test. The appearance of abnormally wide, irregularly spaced QRS complexes on the electrocardiogram represents:

1. ventricular depolarization.

2. premature ventricular contractions.

3. atrial fibrillation.

4. atrial repolarization.

2

1) While working in a private practice clinic, a physical therapist observes a patient fall in the parking lot outside the office. The patient sustains a severe laceration to the forearm. The therapist secures a pressure dressing to the wound site but notes that blood is soaking through the dressing and the bandage. Which of the following actions should the therapist perform NEXT?

1. Elevate the limb and apply pressure to the wound.

2. Remove the dressing and bandage and start over with a tighter bandage.

3. Apply additional dressings and bandages and apply pressure to the brachial artery.

4. Call the patient's physician and arrange transportation for medical care.

1

1) A physical therapist is conducting a reflex text as shown in the photographs. The arrow indicates the path of the applied stimulus. The results of the test are MOST likely to indicate:

1. a peripheral nerve injury.

2. a lesion of the anterior horn cells.

3. a normal response.

4. an injury to the spinal cord.

4

1) The work modification (standing) shown in the photograph is MOST appropriate for a patient with which of the following pathologies?

1. Central lumbar stenosis

2. Deep vein thrombosis

3. Thoracolumbar scoliosis

4. Posterolateral lumbar disc bulge

4

1) A long-distance runner comes to physical therapy with insidious onset of lower leg pain. The patient's examination results reveal weakness of toe flexion and ankle inversion. The physical therapist suspects vascular compromise associated with this presentation. Palpation at which of the following locations is MOST likely to reveal diminished arterial pulses in the patient?

1. Dorsal aspect of the foot

2. Posterior to the lateral malleolus

3. Posterior to the medial malleolus

4. Lateral aspect of the popliteal fossa

3

1) During an intervention session with a patient with a recent onset of hemiplegia, a physical therapist plans to focus on transfers to and from a wheelchair, a bathtub, and an automobile. Which of the following methods should be MOST effective for long-term retention of these skills?

1. Practice the activities in random order.

2. Sequence the activities from easiest to most difficult.

3. Allow the patient to determine the sequence of activities.

4. Establish a predictable but variable practice sequence.

1

1) A patient is lying supine with hips and knees extended and hands behind the head. The patient is able to raise the head, shoulders, and thorax from the treatment table but is unable to come to a complete long-sitting position. What muscle should the physical therapist target for a strengthening program?

1. Iliopsoas

2. External abdominal oblique

3. Quadratus lumborum

4. Upper rectus abdominis

1

1) A patient has medication-induced Cushing syndrome. Which of the following physiological problems is a common manifestation of this disorder?

1. Hypotension

2. Hypercalemia

3. Muscle catabolism

4. Decreased protein metabolism

3

1) A 90-year-old patient with chronic congestive heart failure has been nonambulatory and has resided in a nursing home for the past year. The patient was recently admitted to the hospital after an episode of dehydration. Which of the following plans for prophylactic respiratory care is MOST appropriate?

1. Turning, coughing, and deep breathing every 1 to 2 waking hours

2. Vigorous percussion and vibration 4 times/day

3. Gentle vibration with the foot of the bed elevated 1 time/day

4. Segmental postural drainage using standard positions throughout the day

1

1) Which of the following joint mobilizations would be MOST effective for improving a patient's ability to progress into terminal stance?

1. Posterior glide of the talus on the tibia

2. Posterior glide of the calcaneus on the talus

3. Plantar glide of the 1st proximal phalanx on the metatarsal

4. Dorsal glide of the 1st proximal phalanx on the metatarsal

4

1) A physical therapist is examining muscle strength in a patient. The patient is asked to move the leg along the path indicated by the arrow shown in the photograph and to hold the leg in place while the therapist applies resistance to the leg. The patient moves through the range of motion shown and is able to take maximal resistance. Intervention should address which of the following problems?

1. Tightness of the hip medial (internal) rotators

2. Weakness of the gluteus minimus and medius

3. Correction of the right lateral (external) trunk shift

4. Piriformis weakness

1

1) A patient with a complete thoracic spinal cord injury is sitting in a wheelchair on a custom-made cushion. Pressure relief activities should be performed:

1. when the patient shows signs of pressure sores.

2. every 15 to 20 minutes.

3. every 1 to 2 hours.

4. if the patient does not have an appropriate cushion.

2

1) Which of the following lower extremity findings is MOST likely to be the FIRST sign of vascular occlusive disease?

1. Edema of the legs and ankles

2. Brown discoloration at the ankles

3. Increased cyanosis when legs are dependent

4. Lack of hair on the toes

4

1) A physical therapist is teaching a patient who has recently undergone knee surgery to use a cane while descending stairs without a railing. The patient has partial weight-bearing status on the right. Which of the following instructional methods should the therapist use to teach the patient this activity?

1. The therapist stands behind the patient, and the patient descends with the cane and left leg first.

2. The therapist stands beside the patient, and the patient descends with the right leg first and then the cane.

3. The therapist stands below the patient, and the patient descends with the cane and right leg first.

4. The therapist stands behind the patient, and the patient descends with the left leg first.

3

1) A patient with low back pain also reports constipation, occasional nausea and vomiting, and unexplained weight loss. The pain worsens when the patient is supine and decreases when the patient leans forward when sitting. The sclerae are yellow. The signs and symptoms are MOST consistent with which of the following disorders?

1. Appendicitis

2. Cholecystitis

3. Pancreatic carcinoma

4. Irritable bowel syndrome

3

1) Excessive upward rotation of the right scapula is noted when a patient attempts to perform shoulder flexion. Which of the following exercises is MOST appropriate to help correct the excessive scapular rotation?

1. Right scapular protraction against resistance with the right arm at 90° of flexion

2. Bilateral scapular elevation with the upper extremities at 180° of flexion

3. Wall push-ups with an isometric hold at end range with the elbows extended

4. Bilateral scapular adduction with the upper extremities medially (internally) rotated and adducted across the back

4

1) Which of the following diagnoses is MOST associated with urinary incontinence?

1. Orchitis

2. Testicular cancer

3. Testicular torsion

4. Benign prostatic hyperplasia

4

1) A physical therapist is working on transfers with a patient who had a brainstem cerebrovascular accident. The patient has ataxia in all four extremities and a high level of extensor tone in the lower extremities. The patient has fair to good trunk control. Which of the following transfers is BEST for this patient?

1. Squat pivot

2. Sliding board

3. Standing pivot

4. Dependent tuck

1

1) A physical therapist wants to examine the relationship between lower extremity manual muscle test grades and five ranked categories of functional ambulation ability in a group of older adults. Which of the following statistics is MOST appropriate for testing this relationship?

1. Paired t test

2. Pearson product-moment correlation (r)

3. Mann-Whitney U test

4. Spearman rho (rs)

4

1) In a research study, a correlation coefficient of .30 was found for the relationship between two variables. Which of the following interpretations of this finding is MOST appropriate?

1. The variables have a low correlation.

2. Thirty percent of the variability in one variable can be accounted for by the other variable.

3. There are no significant differences between the variables.

4. There is low positive predictive value between the variables.

1

1) Which of the following conditions is the MOST likely cause of a reduced vital capacity in a patient who has quadriplegia at the C5-C6 level?

1. Decreased anterolateral chest expansion resulting from paralysis of the external intercostal muscles

2. Inability of the patient to generate a negative intrapleural pressure secondary to a denervated diaphragm

3. A relatively high resting position of the diaphragm resulting from paralysis of the abdominal muscles

4. Reduced rib-cage elevation due to paralysis of the anterior scalene and sternocleidomastoid muscles

1

1) A physical therapist places electrodes on a patient to monitor surface electromyographic activity. The electrode placement shown in the photograph is MOST appropriate to monitor which of the following muscles?

1. Tensor fasciae latae

2. Sartorius

3. Rectus femoris

4. Gluteus minimus

1

1) A physical therapist places a patient on a strength training program for the lower extremities. The mode of exercise is a double-leg press unit using free weights. After 1 week, the patient shows a 10-lb (4.5-kg) increase in the amount of weight the patient is able to lift. What is the MOST likely cause of the patient's increase in strength?

1. Muscle fiber hypertrophy

2. Neurological adaptation

3. Hyperplasia of the muscle fibers

4. Increase in the amount of actin and myosin

2

1) A physical therapist is considering the use of phonophoresis as part of an intervention plan. Which of the following steps is the correct FIRST step in the decision-making process to use phonophoresis?

1. Outline the therapeutic goals and outcomes.

2. Select the appropriate coupling agent and medication.

3. Decide on the dosimetry by choosing the appropriate mode and frequency.

4. Determine if there are any contraindications.

4

1) A physical therapist is evaluating a patient who has shoulder pain. The patient notices the shoulder pain at work when stocking shelves that are overhead. The pain is not apparent when stocking shelves at waist or chest level. The patient MOST likely has weakness in which of the following muscles?

1. Pectoralis minor

2. Upper trapezius

3. Deltoid

4. Rhomboid major

2

1) A patient who sustained a mild cerebrovascular accident 3 weeks ago is being prepared by a physical therapist for discharge to home and an adult day program. To facilitate the discharge plan, the MOST appropriate health professional for the therapist to consult with is the:

1. skilled nursing coordinator.

2. occupational therapist.

3. medical social worker.

4. primary physician.

3

1) In a research study, a physical therapist performs the same goniometric measurement on the same group of control subjects during two consecutive testing sessions. This process is used to demonstrate which of the following measurement properties?

1. External validity

2. Instrument reliability

3. Intrarater reliability

4. Interrater reliability

3

1) Sensory-level electrical stimulation is MOST appropriate for a patient with which of the following conditions?

1. Chronic low back pain of somatic origin

2. Acute ankle sprain with edema

3. Supraspinatus tendonitis

4. Active Raynaud syndrome

4

1) A patient with which of the following diagnoses would MOST likely benefit from pursed-lip breathing during exercise?

1. Peripheral vascular disease

2. Congestive heart failure

3. Emphysema

4. Sarcoidosis

3

1) A patient has a history of neck pain that is aggravated by long periods of sitting and becomes progressively worse by evening. Range of motion and strength of the neck and shoulders are within normal limits. Sensation and reflexes are intact in both upper extremities. The patient has a forward head and excessive thoracic kyphosis. The MOST appropriate exercise program should focus on:

1. stretching of the neck flexors and pectoral strengthening.

2. upper trapezius strengthening and pectoral stretching.

3. pectoral strengthening and rhomboid stretching.

4. rhomboid strengthening and axial neck retraction.

3

1) A patient suspected of having hypoglycemia is MOST likely to show which of the following signs?

1. Fruity smelling breath

2. Thirst, nausea, and vomiting

3. Dry, crusty mucous membranes

4. Difficulty speaking and concentrating

4

1) A patient is limited in shoulder abduction, as shown in the displayed radiograph. Which of the following mobilization techniques is MOST likely to assist the patient in achieving increased shoulder abduction?

1. Posterior glide

2. Anterior glide

3. Inferior glide

4. Superior glide

4

1) Which of the following assignments is MOST appropriate for a physical therapist to delegate to a volunteer?

1. Restocking treatment booths with linens, ultrasound gel, and massage lotion

2. Attending a patient who is on a tilt table while the therapist takes a phone call

3. Transporting a patient who reports dizziness back to the patient's room

4. Transferring a patient from the mat table to a wheelchair

1

1) A physical therapist is teaching a motor skill to a patient with chronic hemiplegia. Which of the following teaching approaches should be MOST emphasized?

1. Habituation

2. Sensitization

3. Compensatory strategy

4. Recovery of normal movement

4

1) A patient has low back and leg pain, with symptoms extending to the bottom of the foot. During the physical therapy examination, the patient does not report leg pain in the first test position (photograph #1) but reports a severe increase in symptoms in the second test position (photograph #2). Which of the following conclusions is MOST likely?

1. The pain is the result of a herniated disc.

2. The patient may be displaying nonorganic symptoms.

3. The symptoms are the result of an inflamed sciatic nerve.

4. The hamstrings are in a facilitated state of contraction.

2

1) A patient is referred for recommendations regarding purchase of a wheelchair. The measurements of the patient while sitting are 16 in (40.6 cm) across the widest point of the hips and 18 in (45.7 cm) from the rear of the buttocks to the popliteal crease. Which of the following wheelchair dimensions would be BEST suited for this patient's needs?

1. Seat width and seat depth of 18 in (45.7 cm)

2. Seat width of 18 in (45.7 cm) and seat depth of 16 in (40.6 cm)

3. Seat width and seat depth of 16 in (40.6 cm)

4. Seat width of 16 in (40.6 cm) and seat depth of 18 in (45.7 cm)

2

1) A physical therapist is initiating intervention with a postoperative patient who is taking 20 mg of oral oxycodone (Oxycontin) for pain relief. In planning an intervention for this patient, the physical therapist should anticipate that:

1. the patient may be hypertensive.

2. the medication may trigger cardiac arrhythmias in the patient.

3. the patient will have an increased likelihood for developing diarrhea.

4. the patient may demonstrate respiratory depression.

4

1) During which of the following scenarios would gloves be required to comply with standard precautions?

1. During all patient care in the hospital setting

2. Performing range of motion on a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

3. Massaging the neck of a patient with hepatitis C

4. Changing an infant's diaper in a pediatric setting

4

1) Which of the following structures is indicated by the arrow in the radiograph?

1. Intertubercular groove

2. Greater tubercle

3. Lesser tubercle

4. Coracoid process

2

1) Which of the following descriptions accurately reports a NORMAL patient response to deep tendon reflex testing?

1. 2 or plus (+)

2. 3 or plus (++)

3. 0 or minus (-)

4. 1 or minus (-)

1

1) A patient presents with weakness throughout the right lower extremity with normal strength on the left side. Sensory testing shows a loss of pressure sensation over the right thigh and leg and a loss of pain and temperature sensation over the left thigh and leg. The patient has a positive Babinski sign on the right. Which of the following associated findings is MOST likely to be found during further examination of this patient?

1. The presence of clonus in the left ankle

2. Marked atrophy in the right lower extremity muscles

3. Spasticity in the left lower extremity

4. Increased deep tendon reflexes on the right side

4

1) While a physical therapist is performing transfer training from bed to chair with a patient who had a total knee arthroplasty 2 days ago, the electrocardiograph monitor alarms and the therapist notes that premature ventricular contractions have developed. What is the therapist's BEST course of action at this time?

1. Position the patient on a stable surface and discontinue physical therapy for the day.

2. Continue the transfer to the chair and monitor the patient's oxygen saturation levels.

3. Continue the transfer to the chair and immediately notify the nurse about the premature ventricular contractions.

4. Position the patient on a stable surface and determine the stability of the premature ventricular contractions.

4

1) Which of the following postural drainage positions is MOST appropriate for a patient who has aspiration pneumonia in the right middle lobe and who had a craniotomy 2 days ago?

1. Right sidelying with one-quarter turn toward supine

2. Left sidelying with one-quarter turn toward supine with head of bed down approximately 20°

3. Right sidelying with one-quarter turn toward supine with head of bed down approximately 20°

4. Left sidelying with one-quarter turn toward supine

4

1) To help students apply a newly learned skill to clinical practice, the MOST effective action for the clinical instructor to take is to:

1. point out possible clinical situations and discuss how the skill would apply to them.

2. have the students research reference materials and compile a list of the steps required to acquire the skill.

3. prepare a list of indications and contraindications for the skill.

4. have the students provide examples of clinical situations where the skill would be appropriately applied.

4

1) During the shoulder examination of a patient, a physical therapist notes the presence of a capsular pattern without radicular pain. To help establish the cause of the capsular pattern, the therapist should NEXT:

1. perform axial compression on the cervical spine to check for nerve root compression.

2. ask the patient if there has been any prior trauma to the shoulder joint.

3. check for a painful arc during active range of motion.

4. examine the shoulder for a rotator cuff tear.

2

1) A patient had knee surgery 4 weeks ago. Which of the following neuromuscular electrical stimulation parameters would be MOST appropriate to use for strengthening the patient's quadriceps muscle?

1. 1 to 4 pps, 100 microseconds

2. 1 to 4 pps, 350 microseconds

3. 40 to 50 pps, 350 microseconds

4. 100 pps, 100 microseconds

3

1) A patient is asked to grip a white card between the thumb (1st digit) and index finger (2nd digit) with both hands. The physical therapist pulls on the card in the direction of the arrow shown. As the therapist pulls on the card the patient's right thumb flexes at the interphalangeal joint. The results indicate weakness in which of the following muscles?

1. Flexor pollicis longus

2. Abductor pollicis brevis

3. Adductor pollicis

4. Extensor pollicis longus

3

1) During the gait evaluation of a patient, a physical therapist notices that the patient laterally bends excessively toward the right side during the midstance phase on the right. For the therapist to test the suspected muscle for Normal strength (5/5), the patient should FIRST be positioned:

1. prone with the knee straight.

2. supine with the knee bent.

3. seated with the hip flexed to 110°.

4. sidelying on the left side.

4

1) A patient with a cerebellar stroke has received functional balance training for 4 weeks. Which of the following tests is MOST appropriate to measure the effectiveness of the physical therapy intervention?

1. Romberg Test

2. Berg Balance Scale

3. Fugl-Meyer Assessment

4. Barthel Index

2